--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Sometimes, like now, Olive had a sense of…" description: "\"Sometimes, like now, Olive had a sense of just how desperately hard every person in the world was working to get what they needed. For most, it was a s..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a07/elizabeth-strout-1799_needed_sometimes-like-now-olive-had-a-sense-of_394317.jpg" --- # Sometimes, like now, Olive had a sense of just how… ![“Sometimes, like now, Olive had a sense of just how desperately hard every person in the world was working to get what they needed. For most, it was a sense of safety, in the sea of terror that life increasingly became. (211)” quote by Elizabeth Strout](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a07/elizabeth-strout-1799_needed_sometimes-like-now-olive-had-a-sense-of_394317.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a07/elizabeth-strout-1799_needed_sometimes-like-now-olive-had-a-sense-of_394317.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a07/elizabeth-strout-1799_needed_sometimes-like-now-olive-had-a-sense-of_394317.jpg) > “Sometimes, like now, Olive had a sense of just how desperately hard every person in the world was working to get what they needed. For most, it was a sense of safety, in the sea of terror that life increasingly became. (211)” [Elizabeth Strout](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-strout/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People strive desperately for basic security amid growing fear and uncertainty. **In simple terms:** Everyone works hard for safety in a frightening world. Key Takeaway Recognize and support others' need for security. Themes security anxiety human effort Mood empathetic reflective Type literary social commentary When to use this quote - community support - mental health - public policy - personal relationships Key Concepts existentialism social resilience Questions to Reflect On - How do you help others feel safe? - What structures fail to provide security? A Different Perspective Not all work leads to safety; systemic issues can persist. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Safety](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/safety/) [Sea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sea/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [“Besides, Mr Davies obviously needed someone around with sense. 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